Other factors such as the volume of recyclables and proximity to end markets have had a significant impact on the reverse channel structure. The reverse channel frequently operates independently of the forward channel and includes a different set of intermediaries. Notable differences include the evolution of materialrecovery facilities into the principal channel intermediary for processing recyclable materials and the commodity broker's role in linking sellers with potential buyers. The retrograde movement of recyclable material has also resulted in reverse channel members performing a different set of logistical functions, including collection m the consumer,sorting, storage, transport, compaction or densification, communication, intermediate processing of recyclables into a usable form, and the retromanufacturing of the material into a recycled product.